Communities in New York State participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative have reported record-low levels of gun violence, according to data released by Governor Kathy Hochul. The latest year-end figures show that incidents involving shootings with injury, the number of individuals shot, and deaths related to gun violence all reached their lowest points across the 28 GIVE agencies statewide.
Governor Hochul stated, “These numbers reflect real progress for families and communities across New York who deserve to be safe and to feel safe where they live, work, and raise their families. Public safety remains a top priority for my administration, and we will continue investing in the strategies and partnerships that are delivering results and strengthening communities statewide.”
In 2025, preliminary reports from GIVE agencies indicated there were 491 shooting incidents involving injury—a 16 percent drop compared to the previous year. The number of people shot fell by 22 percent from 723 to 566, while fatalities due to gun violence decreased by 23 percent from 116 to 89.
The announcement was made at Buffalo City Hall with local officials, law enforcement, and community partners present. Buffalo recorded significant declines: a 19 percent reduction in shooting incidents involving injury, a 23 percent decrease in individuals shot, and a 26 percent drop in gun-related deaths compared to the previous year.
Governor Hochul has allocated over $3 billion toward public safety initiatives throughout her term. As part of her recent policy proposals for the state’s upcoming legislative session, she introduced measures aimed at further strengthening New York’s gun laws. These include efforts to address illegal firearms such as unregistered home-assembled guns produced using 3D printers or kits.
Commissioner Rossana Rosado of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services said, “These results show that sustained, data-driven strategies are working. Reaching the lowest levels of gun violence across GIVE communities is an important milestone, but it’s not the finish line. With Governor Hochul’s leadership, we will keep building on this progress and continue doing the work needed to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan added, “Buffalo is seeing real, measurable progress in reducing gun violence. That progress is driven by the professionalism and dedication of our law enforcement officers, combined with data-driven strategies, strong GIVE partnerships, and New York State’s leadership under Governor Hochul in prioritizing public safety. These results are encouraging, and our focus remains on sustaining this momentum and continuing to drive crime down across every neighborhood.”
State Senator April Baskin commented on the role of prevention efforts: “Buffalo is proof that smart investments in prevention, community partnerships, and enforcement save lives. These historic reductions in gun violence reflect the tireless work happening every day between law enforcement, community organizations, and neighbors committed to meeting the needs of our community. I thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing our city and for continuing to strengthen New York’s nation-leading gun laws so families in Buffalo can feel safe in their neighborhoods.”
Senator Jeremy Zellner also credited state leadership: “Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to common-sense gun laws are helping drive record-low levels of gun violence across New York. This progress didn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of critical partnerships, prevention, and accountability. Just as the Governor continues to do, I am committed to building on these initiatives that are saving lives…”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes emphasized collaboration: “It is a great day in New York State when we can acknowledge the significant decline in gun violence across our state. We do not get to this point without buy-in from government, law enforcement, and the community…”
Assemblymember Patrick B. Burke highlighted safety improvements: “All of these statistics mean one thing: families can feel safe in their own neighborhoods.This progress didn’t happen by accident…”
Assemblymember Karen McMahon pointed out legislative impact: “These significant declines in gun violence incidents…make one thing clear: strong gun safety laws save lives…”
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane expressed gratitude for state support: “I am extremely grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued support of public safety initiatives…”
The GIVE initiative currently allocates $36 million annually for equipment upgrades, overtime costs, personnel support as well as training for police departments outside New York City—jurisdictions responsible for about 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms outside NYC.
Preliminary data from New York City Police Department also shows improvement within city limits; shooting incidents dropped by 24 percent while victims declined by 22 percent compared with last year.
Outside New York City limits but still within state jurisdiction (excluding NYC), index crime—which tracks murder along with other major offenses—fell by approximately 15 percent during January through September when compared year-over-year; Buffalo itself saw a similar trend with index crime down by about 12 percent over twelve months.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services supports law enforcement agencies through training programs; manages criminal justice grants; oversees accreditation programs; maintains essential equipment like Breathalyzers; analyzes crime data; supervises probation departments; coordinates youth justice policy; among other responsibilities.